Systems and methods to secure delivery of products

ABSTRACT

A security system includes a bag having a first end and a collar at a second end; a string inside the collar that is tightened after delivery of a product in the bag; a bag lock coupled to the collar to securely close the collar; a strap coupled to the first end; and a block coupled to the strap, the block secured to a surface of a door jamb. During use, in another aspect, a security method to secure delivery of a product includes attaching a bag to a secured structure, the bag having a bottom and a collar at a top portion; a string inside the collar that is tightened after delivery of a product in the bag, the bag having a hook and two adjacent straps; placing the product into the bag upon delivering the product; securing the product by closing the collar and locking the collar with a lock to secure the bag; and clipping the bag to a receptable in the secured structure and wrapping the straps around the secured structure.

BACKGROUND

The rise of Internet stores such as Amazon.com and ebay.com has broughtto reality the concept of buying items on-line and getting deliveringyour orders right at your doorstep, all done through a web browser overthe Internet. A buyer can visit an online website that offers thisservice and place her order through the convenience of her own home oroffice. Most online stores are equipped with a secure payment gatewaythat allows you to complete the transaction without revealing any creditdetails.

Many delivery parcels, such as packages and envelopes, are left in aneasily accessible area of a building. Sometimes, these delivery parcelsare stolen before their rightful owners can collect them. It istherefore important to have systems that decrease the chance of deliveryparcel theft.

For online companies, success lies in the timely and safe delivery ofproducts or goods to customers e commerce is exploding and with thebooming online business comes an increase in opportunities for criminalsthe typical strategy employed by criminals in stealing e commercedeliveries is to simply wait for the driver to make a delivery steal thepackages from the front porch or doorstep then drive off with thepackage.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a method to secure delivery of a product includesattaching a bag to a door, the bag having a bottom and a collar at a topportion; a string inside the collar that is tightened after delivery ofa product in the bag, a strap coupled to the bag bottom and a blockcoupled to the strap; placing the product into the bag upon deliveringthe product; securing the product by closing the collar and locking thecollar with a lock to secure the bag; and attaching the bag to a doorbottom and tightening the bag bottom to the door bottom.

In another aspect, a security system includes a bag having a bottom anda collar at a top portion; a string inside the collar that is tightenedafter delivery of a product in the bag; a bag lock coupled to the collarto close the collar and secure the bag; a strap coupled to the bagbottom; and a block coupled to the strap, the block receiving the bottomstrap, wherein a recipient tightens the bag bottom to a door bottom.

Implementations may include the following. The security bag can beadapted to be secured to a door comprising a collar including a stringinside said collar configured to receive at least one object therein afastener configured to close said collar a mechanism adapted to tightensaid string.

The system address theft in cost effective, easy to use solution thatoffer effective ways to fight package theft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the summary of the invention given above and the detaileddescription of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principlesof these embodiments. Those of skill in the art will recognize that thefollowing description is merely illustrative of the principles of theinvention, which may be applied in various ways to provide manydifferent alternative embodiments. In certain instances, details thatare not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that renderother details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should beunderstood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited tothe particular embodiments illustrated herein. Additionally, it shouldbe understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary front view of a security bag placed in frontof a door.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary side view of the security bag and the door.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary rear view of the door and the door blockdevice to secure the bag.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary bag with lock thereon.

FIGS. 5-8 show a clip-on embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reviewing the figures collectively, a bag 100 has a collar 102 with astring 101 disposed therein. The collar is formed from a material havingsufficient tensile strength to retain string in a looped configurationwithout the assistance of an external force. For example collar may beformed from nylon or other suitable materials as depicted in FIG. 1 .The string extends from a collar opening and is adapted to be looped ona doorknob 52 of a door 50 for securing the bag 100 holding valuablecontents to the door 50.

In this embodiment, the string 101 extends around an interior surface ofdoorknob through holes and provided in collar and through hole providedin ring. While not shown in FIG. 1 , the bag may include a second stringthat extends between collar and ring a second string enables string tosupport the weight of bag when the latter is attached to door and as aresult doorknob does not bear the weight of bag thereby reducing thelikelihood of damage to doorknob when bag is used for deliveries orshipments of parcels. The owner of the parcel will retrieve the parcelby removing the parcel from bag. Since the parcel is attached to door itis important that the string of bag be easy to remove from doorknob forexample the diameter of ring should be larger than the diameters ofholes and so that the former can be easily removed from the latter bysliding the former over the latter.

The drawstring may be wrapped around the neck of collar the string andis secured at its ends on opposite sides of collar by a securementdevice. A latch may be slidably disposed on collar to selectively securedrawstring on collar. The latch may have two notches defined therein toallow the latch to pass over a portion of string alternatively the latchmay have three notches defined therein to allow the latch to pass overtwo portions of string the latch is configured to prevent the drawstringfrom being accidentally removed from collar possible problem althoughthe present invention will help in preventing theft of packages left inareas that are accessible to the public there are still potentialproblems associated with such an arrangement for example if someonewants to remove a package and take it home with him he can simply untiethe string from collar he then leaves the package alone and comes backto pick up the package after a short period of time he can then retiethe string to collar and leave with the package without anyone noticinganything unusual conventional latch systems and their problems there arevarious conventional methods for securing objects together using a cordone of these methods involves using a lanyard or tether to secure itemstogether.

In one embodiment, a lock 104 can be removed by manipulating plug with ascrewdriver pliers or any other similar tool. A string inside collar canbe pulled out from the collar to remove lock when lock is removed. Thesecurity bag is ready to be installed suitably shaped locking.Alternatively, adhesive members (not shown) may be provided on securitybag for securing the security bag to a door frame door to prevent theftof delivery parcels placed in the security bag.

The bag 100 has a bottom attached to one end of a bottom string or strap106. During set up by the homeowner prior to delivery, the bottom strap106 is slidably placed under the door 50. The other end of the bottomstrap 106 is attached to a door block 108. The door block 108 isdesigned to prevent the removal of the bag from the door once locked. Inone implementation, the door block may be a box or bolt that is designedto be placed on the rear side of the door 50 that faces inside thehouse. When the door block is in place and tightened by the deliveryperson, the door block device 108 prevents the bag from being opened byblocking its path. The strap 106 does through the door block device 108and then through a strap claim 110 and emerges as an optional straphandle 112. Strap clamp 110 is inserted under the door, or as shown inFIG. 3 , through a hole in door a cord passes through strap clamp 106which holds it against the inside of door 50. The door block device 108may be easily removed by pulling on its end and placing it in a smallopening behind door so that it is completely out of the way when needed.

In one embodiment, the bottom string 106 is pulled and top string 101 isreleased to make the bag have a round appearance when it is necessary tosecure a parcel such as for example the parcel on door 50. The securitybag is placed over the parcel the bottom string is then pulled to adesired degree and the top string is released if someone attempts toremove the parcel from inside the security bag the bottom string willtighten and give resistance thereby making it harder to steal theparcel. This is an effective theft prevention method since only thedelivery person has access to the top string 101 in the collar 102. Oncetightened, the bag lock 104 can only be opened by the intendedrecipient. Further, the bag is secured to the door via the block device108. As such, the bag 50 is not movable. With the collar secured by thelock 104, the bag 50 is secured against a thief.

Alternatives to the bag lock device can be used. In another embodiment,the bag lock includes a lever rotatably mounted on the collar, saidlever having a first end and a second end opposite to said first endsaid lever being pivotally movable about said axis between a firstposition wherein said first end is located within said collar and asecond position wherein said second end extends outside of said collarand a button adjacent to said lever said button being adapted to receivea force applied thereto so that said lever is pushed against said forcewhereby said string is tightened in a one way manner by the deliveryperson. The recipient would have a key to unlock the lever and open thebag.

Other door block devices can be used. For example, a locking bolt can beused and is adapted to be secured in the doorway collar while anotherlocking bolt can be slidably received in the doorway. collar the lockingbolt that is secured in the doorway collar is prevented from moving byuse of a blocking rod this blocking rod is preferably comprised offlexible material in order to lock the door the locking bolt must be ina position where it blocks the movement of the door thus preventing thebag from being opened.

While FIGS. 1-2 shows the bottom of the bag secured to the bottom of thedoor, the recipient can secure the bag to any part of a door jamb, whichis the flat surface that runs vertically up either side of the doorframe. The door jamb is vital to the running of the door. This is wherethe hinges are placed to hang the door, as well as the striker plate onthe opposite door jamb which helps you to open, close and lock yourdoor.

In one embodiment, the collar and bag lock can be secured to the doorhandle 52. The bag can be constructed with a collar made of strongmaterial such as plastic which contains a string 101 that extends out ofcollar 102 so that it can be secured to a door or post near the point ofdelivery. The string 101 has a sufficient length to extend from securitybag to the point of delivery the end of string has a loop which is largeenough to secure around a conventional lock knob on the door 50 or othersecured area at the point of delivery. The string loop also mayoptionally provide an internal threading or ribbing that allows it to bescrewed onto the exterior surface of a door or wall this makes loopvirtually impossible to remove without destroying it.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary bag with lock 104. The bag can be a largeNylon Oversized Plug & Control Cover that provides a tall flexible anddurable rip-stop nylon bag.

FIGS. 5-8 show a clip-on embodiment. During use, the delivered productis placed inside the bag and a top string is pulled to secure theproduct inside the bag and a suitable lock can be used to preventunauthorized access to the content of the bag as detailed above. The bagin one implementation has a hook on a side that is secured to acorresponding receptacle on a door, a pole, or a solid structure. Thebag further has two mounting belts that can be connected to or claspedwith the door, pole or solid structure. The mounting belt can further besecured with a suitable lock. The system of FIGS. 5-8 provides asecurity method that includes:

-   attaching a bag to a structure, the bag having a bottom and a collar    at a top portion; a string inside the collar that is tightened after    delivery of a product in the bag, a strap coupled to the bag bottom    and a block coupled to the strap;-   placing the product into the bag upon delivering the product;-   securing the product by closing the collar and locking the collar    with a lock to secure the bag;-   clipping the bag to a secured structure and tightening the bag to    the secured structure with lockable strips or belts.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects ofthe invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view ofthis description.

Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only.The construction and arrangements, shown in the various exemplaryembodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments havebeen described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications arepossible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes andproportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mountingarrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) withoutmaterially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of thesubject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrallyformed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position ofelements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or numberof discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order orsequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may bevaried or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Othersubstitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made inthe design, operating conditions and arrangement of the variousexemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions, includingangles, lengths and radii, as shown in the Figures are to scale. Actualmeasurements of the Figures will disclose relative dimensions, anglesand proportions of the various exemplary embodiments. Various exemplaryembodiments extend to various ranges around the absolute and relativedimensions, angles and proportions that may be determined from theFigures. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one ormore relative dimensions or angles that may be determined from theFigures. Further, actual dimensions not expressly set out in thisdescription can be determined by using the ratios of dimensions measuredin the Figures in combination with the express dimensions set out inthis description.

What is claimed is:
 1. A security system, comprising: a bag having afirst end and a collar at a second end; a string inside the collar thatis tightened after delivery of a product in the bag; a bag lock coupledto the collar to securely close the collar; a strap coupled to the firstend; and a block coupled to the strap, the block secured to a surface ofa door jamb.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the bag lock has aplurality of positions to put a lock into.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the string is used to closed the bag and the bag lock is placedproximal to the collar to prevent unauthorized entry through the collar.4. The system of claim 1, wherein the bag comprises rip-stop nylon. 5.The system of claim 1, wherein the bag lock has a plurality of positionsto put a lock into.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the bag is securedto a door.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the bag is secured to amailbox.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the bag is secured to a frontof the door and the block is secured to a back of the door.
 9. Thesystem of claim 1, comprising a strap clamp to secure the block againsta door.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the delivery person securesthe top of the bag and wherein the recipient secures the bottom of thebag to a door.
 11. A security method, comprising: attaching a bag to asecured structure, the bag having a bottom and a collar at a topportion; a string inside the collar that is tightened after delivery ofa product in the bag, the bag having a hook and two adjacent straps;placing the product into the bag upon delivering the product; securingthe product by closing the collar and locking the collar with a lock tosecure the bag; and clipping the bag to a receptable in the securedstructure and wrapping the straps around the secured structure.
 12. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the bag lock has a plurality of positions toput a lock into.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the string is usedto closed the bag and the bag lock is placed proximal to the collar toprevent unauthorized entry through the collar.
 14. The method of claim11, wherein the bag comprises rip-stop nylon.
 15. The method of claim11, wherein the bag lock has a plurality of positions to put a lockinto.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the bag is secured to a door.17. The method of claim 11, wherein the bag is secured to a mailbox. 18.The method of claim 11, wherein the bag is secured to a front of thedoor and the block is secured to a back of the door.
 19. The method ofclaim 11, comprising a strap clamp to secure the block against a door.20. The method of claim 11, wherein the delivery person secures the topof the bag and wherein the recipient secures the bottom of the bag to adoor.